The problem of psilocybin mushroom abuse

Hum Toxicol. 1982 Oct;1(4):417-24. doi: 10.1177/096032718200100408.

Abstract

1 We have reviewed the clinical features and management of 44 consecutive patients presenting to hospital over a 5 week period during an outbreak of ingestion of psilocybin containing mushrooms. 2 Patients presented to hospital usually because of dysphoric effects an average of 3.8 h after ingesting mushrooms. 3 Mydriasis was present in 40 patients but fewer than half showed other sympathomimetic features--tachycardia, hypertension or hyperreflexia. 4 Twenty-three patients experienced nausea and vomiting. 5 Distortions of perception chiefly visual were frequent as were paraesthesiae and feelings of depersonalization. 6 The effects of the mushrooms were short-lived and had worn off within 12 h in all but one patient. 7 Inducing emesis did not appear to hasten recovery from the effects of the mushrooms.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Behavior / drug effects
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mushroom Poisoning / physiopathology
  • Mushroom Poisoning / psychology
  • Mushroom Poisoning / therapy*
  • Perceptual Disorders / etiology
  • Psilocybin / poisoning*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*

Substances

  • Psilocybin